Senegal shuts down internet and bans election delay protest
Senegalese authorities told mobile operators to suspend internet access on Tuesday and banned a silent march by activists against the postponement of this month's presidential poll. France has urged Dakar to use a "proportionate use of force" after three protestors died in clashes with security forces.
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The Aar Sunu Election (Let's Protect Our Election) collective, which includes some 40 civil society and religious groups, had called for a peaceful rally in the capital Dakar on Tuesday at 1500 GMT.
Senegalese authorities banned the march, citing logistical concerns.
"We will postpone the march because we want to remain within the law," said Malick Diop, coordinator of the Aar Sunu Election collective.
Earlier on Tuesday, Senegal's government cut access to mobile internet services after "hateful and subversive" messages were circulating online, the communications ministry claimed.
Senegal has seen more than a week of protests after President Macky Sall abruptly postponed elections scheduled for 25 February.
Three young people have been killed in the violent clashes and many arrested.
Amnesty International on Tuesday said the three people had been killed by security forces during a crackdown in Dakar, Saint-Louis and Ziguinchor on 9 and 10 February. One of the three, 16-year old Landing Camara, was shot in the head.
It urged Senegalese authorities to investigate the killings and police brutality against protesters.
Calls for 'proportionate force'
The French foreign ministry on Tuesday said Senegal must hold a new presidential election "as soon as possible" and use proportionate force when dealing with protests.
"France offers its condolences to the relatives of those who died during the demonstrations in Senegal in recent days. It calls for the proportionate use of force," the ministry said in a statement.
The UN human rights office said it was deeply concerned about the situation in Senegal and called for prompt, thorough and independent investigations into the violence.
At least 266 people have been arrested across the country, including journalists, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Liz Throssell said.
West Africa's regional bloc, Ecowas, sent a parliamentary diplomatic mission to Senegal on Monday to discuss the political situation.
Sall said the election had to be postponed because of a dispute between parliament and the Constitutional Council over potential candidates barred from running and fears of a return to the unrest of 2021 and 2023.
Senegal's parliament voted last week to hold the election on 15 December, after security forces stormed the National Assembly and detained some opposition lawmakers.
The opposition has decried the delay as a “constitutional coup” – a bid by the presidential camp to extend Sall’s term in office, despite promises he would not stand again.
The Constitutional Council is expected to rule within days on whether it agrees with the new date.
(with newswires)
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